Game 3: Spurs’ keys to victory

Turn the turnover tide: Sometimes, basketball isn’t rocket science. In Game 1, the Spurs matched a Finals record by committing only four turnovers, and won a four-point game. In Game 2, they gagged up 17 turnovers, and got squashed by 19. LeBron James is capable of winning games even when the opponent pitches a perfect game. There’s no need to make it easy on Miami by handing the Heat free transition points.

Toughen up: The Heat were relentless on defense in Game 2, blitzing and trapping the Spurs’ ball handlers at every turn. The Spurs responded to the Miami bullying by handing over their lunch money. In addition to the turnovers, the Spurs often simply failed to get into their offense, resulting in wasted possessions that went late into the shot clock. The Spurs must find a way to get into the paint and create offense from there, and it starts with Tony Parker.

Don’t throw out the baby: The lopsided score in Game 2 belies the fact the Spurs have played reasonably well for a good chunk of the series. Their transition defense has been stellar when they aren’t turning the ball over, and their plan to limit James has kept him under 20 points in both games. If Miami’s role players offer a repeat of their Game 2 performance, it might be time to change course. For now, the Spurs should stick with what has worked, while cleaning up what has not.